My Review: Strange Glory - A life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have only known bits and pieces about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, so I really enjoyed the book from the very beginning. I also liked the way that the author, Marsh, shared about the life of Bonhoeffer making me feel like I was there with him on a personal level.

I have known about Bonhoeffer for years, but this is the first biography I have read on him. The author filled in a lot of unknowns for me about him from childhood to his death. Some of the minute details, while not necessary, did give a more complete picture of Bonhoeffer. I did find the beginning of the book a little slow because of these details, but I am still pleased that the author shared them to give a complete picture of who Bonhoeffer was.

The book also gave some historical insight into the German church in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as some insight into Hitler and the Nazis. The only thing I did not like about the book was the author's possible insinuation of Bonhoeffer's sexuality. I am not going to get into that in this review; see other reviews if you are curious or read the book for yourself. I did not think it necessary to mention in the book, especially since it is speculation.  I feel you will enjoy this read, especially to become familiar with Bonhoeffer's very unique character.

This book has peaked my interest in reading another biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  The other biography is: "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy."

I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

The following are some famous Bonhoeffer quotes:

My Review: The Case for Christ (Student Edition)

Defending the Faith! Can you? This book will help you to do so!

You'll find this book an easy read with relatively short chapters (one objection per chapter).   This book deals with the subject of apologetics (defense of the faith). It is only 95 pages long; whereas, the original version of this book is 320 pages.

I hope this review will encourage you to read this book or give it to a student who would be helped by the book.  I am a fan of Lee Strobel's and love his life story of going from an atheistic journalist who decided to research Christ "as a journalist," which took him on a two-year investigation of whether God really exists and whether Jesus is really God's unique son. I love his material so this was a good read for me.  The difference in the "Student Edition" from the original version is that it is much briefer in general on each point, but a great start for any student (teen) with questions. 

In this book he covers common objects to Christianity.

Objection #1:  Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Good God Cannot. 

Objection #2:  Miracles Contradict Science; Therefore, They Cannot Be Real.

Objection #3:  Evolution Explains Life, So God Isn't Needed.

Objection #4:  It's Intolerant to Claim Jesus is the Only Way to God

Objection #5:  A Loving God Would Never Send People to Hell.

Objection #6:  I Still Have Doubts, So I Can't Be a Christian.

Conclusion:  I really like the concluding thoughts.

This book is a good starting place for those questioning the common objections or to prepare one in talking to others on these subjects. It's a great read for teens, and if they read it and want more, I would encourage them to read the 300+ page edition.  Even as an adult, who has been a Christian for decades, I enjoyed reading it.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

My recent review of a great book, "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken"

I review quite a few books, but this one was a special treat for me. I love this book’s design and concept. I even like the thin tissue-like paper used in this book. This would be a nice book in bonded leather or leather. “The Greatest Words Ever Spoken” contains ALL the words of Jesus in Red with some surrounding verses in black to help with context. You may need/want to read more of the verses around it for a more accurate interpretation. This is a valuable book to complement your Bible reading time and is actually Bible readings of Jesus’ words. Over 200 topics (spoken by Jesus) are broken down into 9 categories in 9 chapters. The only part of this book that is not from the Bible are the introductions to each chapter, which are written by Steven K. Scott, who compiled this book. I find the introductions are very good. The table of contents is well-organized and helpful in finding the topic you are looking for. The back of the book contains a scripture index and subject index, which are also quite helpful in using this book. It’s an easy book to use and can be used as a Bible devotion or topical Bible study of Jesus’ words. It is not likely that you will read this book from cover to cover, but more likely you will jump around in it. With that being said, if you want to read all that Jesus spoke, you might enjoy reading it from cover to cover. The book is 519 pages long, it’s not a short book, and the font is pretty small (but very clear), so it’s a lot of reading. Being God’s Word, it is not a book you will want to read quickly. The NIV version is not my favorite version, but it does make it readable for all ages.

I recommend this book as a great reference book and one you will want to keep in your personal library permanently.

I received a free copy of The Greatest Words Ever Spoken from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Review of "Creating Community" (a book on doing small groups as a main part of your church)

I given this book 3.5 stars out of 5. I read this book at the recommendation of our pastor for the new and small church I attend.  For the vision of the church it definitely had a lot of practical advice that I believe our church will use some of it.  I especially like that the book deals a lot with keeping it simple.  There are easy guidelines to follow. If your church is considering small groups, which I personally believe every church should consider, then this book will be a good addition to your library, especially for those in ANY form of leadership in the church.

What I didn't like about the book:
1. I found it misleading that Andy is listed as the co-author, as he only wrote the introduction. The book is written by Bill Willits (he did a good job).
2. About 11 mentions of scripture, otherwise, not a strong scripture-based book. Some Biblical principles used, but that's about it.
3. A lot of comparisons to "corporate America" and successful business men, which I'm not a fan of as I believe the church is NOT to be compared or modeled as a corporation.
4. It is not a highly spiritual book, so it didn't change my spiritual life, but it did excite me about future community, which does effect our spiritual life.
5. This book is 10 year old, it is time they put out an updated and revised edition.  I would be very interested in a new revised edition.

I would recommend getting the book. You will surely get some great nuggets of truth and some great guidelines for small groups.  It's a short book, so it is a really small investment of your time.  If you even get one thing from this book that will help your church grow into a stronger spiritual community (through small groups), it will have been well worth your time.

Book Review: "How To Be Rich" by Andy Stanley

Spoiler Alert: I briefly share some of the principles of Andy Stanley's book in my review, not to spoil the book for you or lessen your curiosity, but to encourage you to read it ALL and get a fuller understanding of the subject in a way more than a review can do.  So please read my review and then go out and get this book.

Overall, I like Andy Stanley's books, and this book is no exception.  It is a short book of 160 pages (which includes small group study guide) and an easy read.  While I know he is not into the prosperity message, I was curious on how he would handle this subject being that he is in a very affluent suburb of Atlanta (Norcross, GA) and his church is by no means a poor church.  How would a successful, mega-church pastor, who is not poor in any respect handle this subject. Sadly, many affluent, mega-church pastors twist or avoid scriptures to make a case for their extravagant lifestyles.  This book would prove to be different.  For starters the subtitle of the book hits the nail on the head of what this book is really about, "it's not what you have. It's what you do with what you have" that is the essence on this book.  And "rich" has a double meaning throughout the book.  It deals with money, material things, and possessions; but it is also about what it really means to be RICH spiritually with God.  He also brings into perspective that fact that most Americans are richer than 96% of the world.  While I don't agree with Andy Stanley's remark that for 'most' Americans $37,000 a year would represent a pay cut..." (pg. 29) (I believe a lot of people fall below $37,000 a year), even so, I would have to agree that what is considered "poverty" in America would be very rich to most of the world. 

That being said, what does this book cover that I gave it a 4 star rating?  As he gets past the first few chapters and covers some very good foundational truths, he then does an excellent job breaking down many verses in 1 Timothy chapter 6 as to the principles shared in this book.  This is especially the case with 1 Timothy 6:17, 18 that states, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

While I think it is a good book for everyone, I think it is an even better book for those who have been blessed with much financially.  As he states on page 34, "the richer people get, the smaller the percentage of money they give away".  He also gets into having a generous heart with the money God blesses us with, be it a small or large amount - a very good teaching on generosity.

He also does a good job helping us to see that all we have is God's, meaning 100% (not just 10%).  This Biblical teaching can really help us put all we have in proper perspective.  It's all God's - you are just a steward of it.  As you finish this book you will see that it isn't about "BEING RICH" like so many people think, but about being rich toward God and being a good steward with all that God blesses you with. 

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

Review of "A Godward Heart" by John Piper - God-centered meditations

 "A Godward Heart" has many great and encouraging words.  Right from the beginning, Piper explains the reason for writing this book is that he believes that a life can be changed by short meditations (paragraphs) as much as by books.  I agree with him.  Sometimes our hearts are hungry, and yet we are short on time or are tired and won't make it through a long chapter, but this is do-able even if you are tired or short on time, as they are short (3 to 4 pages).  

I love the words of endorsement that Nancy Leigh DeMoss gives regarding this book, and I would like to quote here as it is spoken so perfectly.  She states: "A Godward Heart is a fresh invitation to seek the Lord, to sit at the feet of the savior, to savor Him as your greatest treasure, and to find deep satisfaction for your soul as you drink from His well that never runs dry."

Another thing I like in this book, as well as others by Piper, is his transparency.  I like real and Piper is real. 

If you are used to the many self-centered books among Christian material, this book may actually seem foreign to you, as it is not about you! This book is Christ-centered and ultimately about doing all we do for the pleasure of God, which by the way, will automatically bring the most pleasure to your Christian walk (as a side benefit not a goal).

I recommend using this book as a devotional for 50 days or just reading a short meditation when you have a couple minutes throughout your day.  I can't say all his meditations are equal, especially if you are new to Piper's writing style and themes.  Therefore, I think my being familiar with other writings by Piper made this book more enjoyable.  There were a few meditations I just didn't quite get where he was going with them or even why they were included, but I moved on to the next meditation.

As for rating this book, I would give it 3.5 stars (if allowed).  Otherwise, I gave it 4 stars, which was a little generous, but 3 stars would have been too low of a rating for this book.

Read it, enjoy it, and if you are new to Piper, let this be a primer.  Get his other books and you'll start seeing the knowledge and wisdom of this godly man.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

My Review of Strange Fire by John MacArthur

I was excited about reading the book (and reviewing it here), even though his conference by the same name caused quite a stir among many Pentecostals and Charismatics.

As I start this review, let me state I am very, very familiar with John MacArthur's teachings and have read many of his other books and listened to countless sermons of his.  Most of his material is great and I love it; except when he gets on the subject of spiritual gifts, tongues, healing and miracles, and on those subjects I lovingly and respectfully disagree.

When MacArthur stays with scripture, he's an awesome teacher.  But when he closes his mind to charismatics, he also throws out any scriptures that support Charismatics'/Pentecostals' view of miracles as still being for today as well as tongues, etc.

In about 90% or more of this book MacArthur's examples refer to the Word of Faith, TBN or some other false sect of the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement.

Even with the shortcomings cited in the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement, it is usually no more flawed than any other non-charismatic (even cessationist) ministry or church.  Man is flawed and if you look deep enough no one is perfect.  But on the other hand, I am thankful for the many ministers that do represent the Lord in a God glorifying way.

Throughout this book he calls "tongues" gibberish and irrational blabber.  Wow! That seems quite disrespectful and irreverent to call something Charismatics look at as from the HOLY Spirit!  He also calls all healings or miracles that happen when the sick are prayed for as fake. Really, are ALL healing's and miracles that happen in a prayer meeting or through the laying on of hands fake?

Note: I do believe John MacArthur believes God can sovereignly heal or do a miracle today, but it has nothing to do with the gift of healings or miracles as taught among Charismatics.

Based on my reading of this book,  he could have more accurately named it, "Charismatic Chaos II – Exposing the Word of Faith Movement (TBN) in the 21st Century".

All that being said, since he does share some real concerns, I found his book somewhat helpful.  I also found it informative on how a cessationist's mind set works.

Interestingly, it has made me think all the more how precious it is to me to be a conservative Continuationist.

John MacArthur is a wonderful teacher when he sticks to the Bible passages and stays away from this issue, and very possibly a Biblical view called Continuationism as believed by Charismatics.

My recommendations on this subject from a Continuationist's view would be Wayne Grudem's book  "Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine" (Covers many doctrines), or his book "Bible Doctrine" (abridged from Systematic Theology).

Also two book that I know of, but have not read, that have been written by Charismatics as a response to John MacArthur's "Strange Fire" are "Authentic Fire" by Michael Brown and "Holy Fire" by R.T. Kendall.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.